The Black Swamp Bird Observatory considers its banding program a “feather in its cap.”

The program, led by research director Mark Shieldcastle, has banded more than 500,000 birds over two decades. The BSBO banding station is the largest in the country, according to Kim Kaufman, executive director of the BSBO.

“We band more birds than any other station in the country on a regular basis,” Kaufman said. “That's a feather in our cap, but what it really represents is how important that (Magee) marsh is to migratory birds.”

Oregon Council at a meeting on March 14 will consider an agreement with engineering companies to provide services for the final design and bidding for the Oregon Flood Relief and Erosion Control project, the Wolf Creek Relief Ditch project, and the Pickle Road Storm Relief Ditch project.

If approved, Poggemeyer Design Group, Bowling Green, would provide engineering services for the Oregon Flood Relief and Erosion Control project, which is located within the downstream area of the Amolsch and Driftmeyer Ditch, Johlin Ditch, and Heckman Ditch watersheds, between Cedar Point Road and Lake Erie. Jones & Henry Engineers, LTD., Toledo, would provide engineering services for the Wolf Creek area west of Stadium Road, and the Pickle Road area between Coy and Lallendorf roads that is served by the Amolsch and Driftmeyer Ditch. Poggemeyer would be paid $304,880 to provide the services.

Oregon is looking into improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of city owned buildings to reduce operating costs and to lower levels of pollution created by energy producing facilities.

Mayor Mike Seferian told council at a meeting last Monday that the municipal building, which includes city council chambers and the police department, is one of the least energy efficient buildings in the city.

City Administrator Mike Beazley said improving energy efficiency was discussed at the budget hearings.

The Press has confirmed that its website poll has been hacked by someone seeking to control the voting results.

The Press has determined the IP address of the person or entity involved, and it is from Woodstock, Illinois, just outside Chicago, according to The Press’ website provider. The situation happened from 3:55 p.m. until 4:20 p.m. on March. 8. During this time, the individual used an exploit to vote 3,071 times for the “No” answer. The Press removed those votes to change the vote back to 39 (as of that day) for “No” and the IP address was blocked.

Oregon City Council on March 14 will consider hiking the speed limit on Otter Creek Road to 45 mph from 35 mph.

The proposal is based on a speed study performed by DGL Consulting Engineers, LLC. “That study was subsequently approved by ODOT,” said Oregon Public Service Director Paul Roman at a committee of the whole meeting on March 7.

Roman said he didn’t mind if the proposal received three readings by council.

“Everybody’s in favor of it, it seems like,” said Councilman James Seaman.